Taliban–Pakistan Border Clash in Spin Boldak Leaves 10 Dead, Injured

DID Press: A heavy exchange of fire between Taliban forces and Pakistani military at the Spin Boldak border crossing has left at least ten people dead or wounded, according to Taliban officials. The two sides, however, have given contradictory remarks on how the confrontation began.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban, said that five people were killed and five others were wounded during last night’s clash in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar province. He confirmed that one of the fatalities was a member of the Taliban.

On the Pakistani side, Mohammad Owais, the head of Chaman Hospital in Balochistan, reported that three injured individuals — including a woman — were transferred to the facility from the site of the incident.

The two sides presented conflicting narratives about the cause of the clash. Pakistani officials claim their military responded after a rocket attack was launched from inside Afghan territory. In contrast, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Pakistani forces initiated the attack by targeting Taliban positions, and that the Taliban responded in return.

A senior official in Quetta confirmed that the exchange of fire began around 10 p.m. on Friday (Dec. 5) and continued until after midnight.

The incident comes after recent talks between Taliban and Pakistani officials in Istanbul ended without progress. Although reports suggested new negotiations might take place in Riyadh, Pakistani authorities have denied knowledge of any such meeting.

Border tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan have escalated repeatedly in recent months. During eight days of fighting in October, dozens of people were killed on both sides.